Introduction

• Brooding refers to management of chicks from one day old to about 8 weeks of age.
• Involves provision of heat and other necessary care during chicks early growing period.
• Result to healthy pullet which in turn shows their full potential in terms of egg and meat production.

Types of brooding

a) Natural brooding:

• Done with the help of broody hens after hatching.
• Done on farms where only a few chickens are raised each year.
• Brooder hen will provide ll the necessary warmth required by the chicks.
• Care needs to be taken of he hen’s health and any external parasites.

b) Artificial brooding:

• Done with the help of temperature-controlled brooder( Foster mother).

Advantages of artificial brooding

• Chicks can be reared at any time of season.
• Thousands of chicks can be brooded by a single person.
• Improved sanitary conditions.
• Temperature can be regulated.
• Feeding may be undertaken according to the plan.